Universal Laser Systems PLS3.60 Safety, Installation, Operation, And Basic Maintenance Manual
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Universal Laser Systems PLS3.60 Safety, Installation, Operation, And Basic Maintenance Manual

Laser engraving and cutting system
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2007 Professional
Systems
Models PLS3.60, PLS4.60,
PLS6.60, & PLS6.120D
Laser Engraving and Cutting System
Safety, Installation, Operation,
and Basic Maintenance Manual
System Serial Number: _____________
(Located on the back of the machine and inside the front door)
Laser Tube Serial Number(s):
______________
______________
Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
16008 North 81st Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA
Technical Support Department
Phone: 480-609-0297
Fax: 480-609-1203
Web Based Email Support: www.ulsinc.com
March 2008

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Summary of Contents for Universal Laser Systems PLS3.60

  • Page 1 2007 Professional Systems Models PLS3.60, PLS4.60, PLS6.60, & PLS6.120D Laser Engraving and Cutting System Safety, Installation, Operation, and Basic Maintenance Manual System Serial Number: _____________ (Located on the back of the machine and inside the front door) Laser Tube Serial Number(s):...
  • Page 2 Notice This publication and its contents are proprietary to Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS), and are intended solely for the contractual use of ULS, Inc. customers. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of this manual, ULS shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
  • Page 3 Introduction We would like to thank you for your laser system purchase. Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS) is the pioneer, and highest volume manufacturer, of large field, computer controlled laser engraving, marking, and cutting systems. ULS has devoted years of research and development to further the quality of our products that has resulted in a number of remarkable innovations within the laser industry.

  • Page 4: Specifications

    Specifications System Operating Environment Requirements (user provided) Models PLS3.60 PLS4.60 PLS6.60 PLS6.120D Operating Well-ventilated office (recommended) or clean, light-duty manufacturing Environment Operating 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) capable Temperature 73ºF (22ºC) to 77ºF (25º C) for best performance Storage Temperature 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º...
  • Page 5 Model System Specifications PLS3.60 PLS4.60 PLS6.60 PLS6.120D CO2 Laser, Interlocked Safety Enclosure = Class I Laser Safety Red Diode Pointer = Class IIIa Work Area 24 x 12 Inch 24 x 18 Inch 32 x 18 Inch (609.6 x 304.8 mm) (609.6 x 457.2 mm)

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    CorelDRAW X3........................3-10 AutoCAD 2000i/2002/2004....................3-12 Adobe Illustrator CS ......................3-13 Section 4 – Assembling the PLS System Assembly - PLS3.60 and PLS4.60...................4-1 System Assembly - PLS6.60 and PLS6.120D ................4-4 Finalizing the Connections......................4-8 Checking Beam Alignment - All PLS laser systems ..............4-10 Section 5 –...
  • Page 7 Part 3 - Accessories Section 8 – Accessories Air Assist ............................8-3 Air Assist Compressor........................8-8 Dual Head ............................. 8-9 Honeycomb Cutting Table ......................8-12 Focus Lens Kits...........................8-14 Rotary Fixture..........................8-15 Part 4 - Advanced User Section 9 – Advanced System Operation Printer Driver Controls........................

  • Page 9: Section 1 - Safety

    Section 1 Safety Description of Appropriate Use This device is designed for laser cutting and engraving, in a laboratory, workshop, or light duty manufacturing environment. Materials to be processed must fit completely inside the system for proper operation. Notice: This device is not designed, tested, intended or authorized for use in any medical applications, surgical applications, medical device manufacturing, or any similar procedure or process requiring approval, testing, or certification...

  • Page 10: Laser Safety

    It also complies with CE (European Community) safety regulations. No guarantees of suitability or safety are provided for any use other than those specified by Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Laser Safety The device contains a sealed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in a Class I enclosure that produces intense invisible and visible laser radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum.

  • Page 11: Safety Labels

    DO NOT remove them for any reason. If the labels become damaged or have been removed for any reason, DO NOT OPERATE the laser system and immediately contact Universal Laser Systems, Inc. for a free replacement. Labels are NOT to scale.
  • Page 12 INPUT POWER: 110 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A 221-0021-0 221-0022-0 THIS LASER MANUFACTURED BY UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS 16008 N. 81ST ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 USA INPUT POWER: IS DESIGNED FOR USE ONLY AS A COMPONENT IN A ULS LASER SYSTEM. THIS LASER IS A CLASS 4 DEVICE AND 230 VAC;...
  • Page 13 OXIDIZING GASES TO THIS SYSTEM CREATES A SERIOUS SAFETY AND/OR FIRE HAZARD. DO NOT CONNECT ANY GAS SOURCES EXCEEDING 75 PSI (5 ATM) PRESSURE. UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY ARISING FROM THE IMPROPER USE OF THIS SYSTEM. 221-0036-0 221-0037-0 THIS PRODUCT IS MANUFACTURED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF U.S.
  • Page 14 SAFETY PLS3.60, PLS4.60, PLS6.60 Label Placement 221-0086-0 221-0087-0 221-0088-0 221-0089-0 221-0031-0 221-0017-0 221-0007-0 221-0018-0 Laser Tube 221-0033-0 221-0016-0 221-0034-0 221-0018-0 221-0012-0 221-0013-0 221-0022-0 221-0036-0 Section 1-6...
  • Page 15 SAFETY 221-0021-0 221-0020-0 221-0016-0 221-0037-0 221-0016-0 221-0020-0 221-0002-0 221-0081-0 221-0015-0 221-0065-0 Back View of laser system Section 1-7...
  • Page 16 SAFETY PLS6.120D Label Placement 221-0086-0 221-0087-0 221-0088-0 221-0089-0 221-0031-0 221-0017-0 221-0007-0 221-0018-0 Laser Tube 221-0033-0 221-0034-0 221-0018-0 221-0016-0 221-0012-0 221-0013-0 221-0007-0 Section 1-8...
  • Page 17 SAFETY 221-0021-0 221-0016-0 Back View of laser system - Rear cover open 221-0016-0 221-0020-0 221-0037-0 221-0002-0 221-0015-0 221-0081-0 221-0024-0 221-0065-0 Back View of laser system - Rear cover closed Section 1-9...
  • Page 18 SAFETY EU Declaration of Conformity Product Identification: PLS3.60, PLS4.60, PLS6.60, and PLS6.120D Laser Engraving and Cutting Systems Manufacturer: European Office: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Universal Laser Systems GmbH 16008 N. 81 Lerchenfelder Guertel 43 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 A-1160 Vienna/Austria The manufacturer hereby declares that the equipment specified below is in...

  • Page 19: Fcc Compliance

    Recycling By placing the above symbol on our products and accessories Universal Laser Systems is indicating that we are committed to helping reduce the amount of waste electronics ending up in municipal landfills. Therefore Universal Laser Systems urges consumers to recycle this product and its accessories.
  • Page 20 SAFETY Section 1-12...

  • Page 21: Part 1 - Initial Setup

    Part 1 - Initial Setup...

  • Page 23: Section 2 - Installation

    Section 2 Installation The following operational guidelines are vital to a safe and productive environment. It is your responsibility to provide a proper operating environment. This section will also give you step-by-step instructions for site preparation, and computer and software setup. Please follow the instructions in the order shown: 1.

  • Page 24: Extracting Fumes And Particulates

    INSTALLATION constant power outages are a problem in your area, an electrical line stabilizer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), or backup generator might be required. You may also need to connect the laser system to a dedicated electrical line to resolve the problem. •...
  • Page 25 INSTALLATION PLS3.60 and PLS4.60 (1) Exhaust blower mounted outside. (2) Weatherproof shield (3) Rigid ducting matching the diameter of the blower inlet (4) Shut-off or air-flow gate (5) Reducer to 4 inches (6) Flexible, wire-reinforced, industrial grade rubber hose (7) On/Off switch (8) Computer (user supplied) PLS6.60 and PLS6.120D...

  • Page 26: Software Installation And Operating System Requirements

    INSTALLATION 4. Software Installation and Operating System Requirements Your computer is critical component in the operation of the PLS. In fact, you cannot operate the PLS if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows, and running the Universal Control Panel software (UCP).
  • Page 27 INSTALLATION 1. To properly configure Power 3. In Display Properties, select the Screen Management in your Windows XP Saver tab. Set the Screen saver to computer, right-click your “(None)”. desktop. 4. Then in the box “Monitor power”, Click 2. From the list of options, select the button “Power…”...

  • Page 28: Software Installation Cd-Rom

    INSTALLATION B. Software Installation CD-ROM At this point you need to install the Windows XP printer driver. In order to install the software you NEED to have administrative privileges on the user account that is currently logged on. The Software Installation CD-ROM can be found in a pocket on the inside of the back cover of this manual.

  • Page 29: Recommended Software Programs

    INSTALLATION C. Recommended Software Programs ULS does not guarantee software compatibility with any off-the-shelf software program that has not been written by ULS. However, the following suggested programs are widely used by ULS customers and are considered to be the most functional and compatible programs to use with the laser system.
  • Page 30 INSTALLATION Section 2-10...

  • Page 31: General Software Setup

    The following examples assume that you are configuring the software for a PLS Series machine. If you have a different Platform machine, substitute the correct maximum page size. For example: PLS3.60 = 24 x 12 inches (609.6 x 304.8 mm) PLS6.60, PLS6.120D = 32 x 18 inches (812.8 x 457.2mm)
  • Page 32 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP Power Control through Color Selection The laser system allows the use of 8 different colors to access 8 different power settings when cutting and engraving. The printer driver controls this feature. When using this power change feature with driver, the colors that are used MUST exactly match the colors listed in the driver.
  • Page 33 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP vector cut any outlines present in the artwork. Vector output order is dependent on your operating system, printer driver version, and your software. Refer to the printer driver controls for more details. Overlapping Fills If the artwork created has overlapping filled areas, the driver will automatically filter these fills to prevent the overlapped area from being engraved twice.
  • Page 34 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP Monochrome Bitmaps If you scan the image in monochrome (black and white) mode, set your scanner to at least 600 DPI. The higher the DPI, the smoother the image will be. Scanning monochrome images at 300 DPI is the minimum recommended resolution but scanning them at 600 DPI will provide a significant improvement in the image quality.

  • Page 35: Specific Software Setup

    GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP Postscript (PS) Images The laser system is NOT a postscript device. This means that postscript fills, postscript textures, and especially POSTSCRIPT FONTS WILL NOT be able to print to the laser system. Sometimes using Adobe Type Manager (ATM) will allow some postscript fonts to print correctly but most of the time it does not work properly.

  • Page 36: Coreldraw 11

    For example, 12 inches for a PLS3.60 machine. If you would like the scale to be displayed in tenths, choose “10 per Tick” in the “Tick Division”...
  • Page 37 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP 14. Finally, at the top of the screen, click on “Tools”, then “Options”, then “Document”, and then select “Save Options as Defaults for New Documents”. Make sure ALL the options listed are CHECKED then click “OK”. 15. The setup defaults for CorelDRAW 11 are now complete. Whenever you start a new document, all of the default settings that we had setup will automatically apply to the new document.

  • Page 38: Coreldraw 12

    GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP CorelDRAW 12 Windows XP Note: CorelDRAW 12 was optimized for Windows XP and is not compatible with Windows Vista. We also suggest not running it under Windows 95/98. Therefore, we have only included setup instructions for Windows XP. 1.
  • Page 39 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP 10. The rulers on screen need to match the rulers in the PLS. Adjust the ruler's vertical origin by double-clicking directly on the vertical (side) ruler. The “Options” dialog box will appear. In the vertical origin box, type in the length of the vertical ruler of your PLS.

  • Page 40: Coreldraw X3

    For example, 12 inches for a PLS3.60. If you would like the scale to be displayed in tenths, choose “10 per Tick” in the “Tick Division”...
  • Page 41 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP 10. While still in the “Options” dialog box, double-click on “Global” to expand the list. Double-click on “Printing” to expand the list. Now click on “Driver Compatibility”. Make sure that the laser system's name is displayed in the printer drop-down list. In the settings specific for this driver dialog box, make sure that ALL the check boxes are UNCHECKED.
  • Page 42 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP AutoCAD 2000i, 2002 and 2004 for Windows XP NOTE: AutoCAD version 2000 is not compatible with ULS laser systems. You must upgrade to version 2000i or higher. Also, we recommend installing ULS printer driver version 2.17.29 or higher.

  • Page 43: Adobe Illustrator Cs

    GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP Adobe Illustrator CS for Windows XP Adobe Illustrator CS, in combination with the new ULS printer driver version 2.17.29 or later, is now capable of both raster and vector output as well as full-field engraving capability. The following procedure assumes that you are familiar with the use and operation of Windows XP, and Adobe Illustrator CS.
  • Page 44 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE SETUP Section 3-14...

  • Page 45: Section 4 - Assembling The Pls

    DEVICE. Obtain assistance from 3 or 4 additional people when lifting or carrying (secure motion system and doors). Severe bodily injury may occur if improper lifting techniques are applied or the system is dropped. System Assembly - PLS3.60 and PLS4.60 Cart (1) Back panel (2) Legs (both are identical)
  • Page 46 ASSEMBLING THE PLS 1. Unpack the laser system from its packaging. 2. Remove the unassembled cart from the top of the laser system. 3. Assemble the cart as it appears in the diagram on the previous page but leave all of the screws slightly loose except for the casters, which should be tightened as far as it can go into the cart leg.
  • Page 47 ASSEMBLING THE PLS Laser Cartridge Installation 1. Make sure that your power cord IS NOT 2. Visually locate the two mounting blocks (1), plugged in at this time. Press on the the laser latch (2), alignment fork (3), and backside of the two hinges to release the power connector (7).

  • Page 48: System Assembly - Pls6.60 And Pls6.120D

    ASSEMBLING THE PLS 5. Slowly rotate the laser cartridge making 6. Plug in the power connector (1). Slowly sure that the alignment plate is centered in close the rear cover and making sure that the gap of the alignment fork between the wires or hoses do not become pinched small and large plates.
  • Page 49 ASSEMBLING THE PLS Detaching laser system from cart 1. Make sure unit is unplugged from an 3. Locate the three white connectors and the electrical outlet. two black connectors. Unplug all five 2. At the back of the system, locate the four connectors.
  • Page 50 ASSEMBLING THE PLS 10. Remove the eight (8) screws, flat washers, and lock washers that attach the cart stand to the laser system from the bottom. 11. Lift the laser system straight up, clearing the cart stand. 12. Place the laser system face down on the dolly and roll it through the doorway.
  • Page 51 ASSEMBLING THE PLS Laser Cartridge Installation Note: The following images illustrate a PLS6.120D laser system. If you have purchased a PLS6.60 laser system ignore the mention of the two laser system setup and install the single laser tube. Before connecting and powering on your system, you must install the laser cartridges. 1.

  • Page 52: Finalizing The Connections

    ASSEMBLING THE PLS The power connectors are labeled “Top” (6) and “Bottom” (7). It is very important that you plug in the correct connector into the appropriate laser; otherwise the laser system will not function properly. The power connectors are keyed so it will only insert one way. Single laser users should just leave the bottom connector unplugged and out of the way.
  • Page 53 ASSEMBLING THE PLS USB 2.0 High Speed (only) The laser system comes equipped with a high quality 6-foot USB cable. Please use this cable and do not substitute it with any other. Connect the printer cable directly from your computers USB port to the port in the rear of the laser system.

  • Page 54: Checking Beam Alignment - All Pls Laser Systems

    ASSEMBLING THE PLS e. The New Hardware Wizard will indicate when the installation is c omplete. Click “Finish” to close the Wizard. You may notice a small pop up appear on the bottom right hand corner of your display screen saying “Found New Hardware PLS USB Printing Support.”...

  • Page 55: Section 5 - Making A Sample

    Section 5 Making a Sample We will now illustrate how to use the laser system to create a product from start to finish. As an example, we will raster engrave and vector cut a key chain from a 2 by 4 inch, 1/8 inch thick piece of hardwood. It is preferable to use a hardwood such as Cherry or Walnut as opposed to grainy wood such as Oak or a manufactured product such as plywood or melamine.

  • Page 56: Step 3 - Printing To The Laser System

    MAKING A SAMPLE Step 3 – Printing to the Laser System (Materials Database Tab) The following steps assume that CorelDraw X3 is being used as your graphics software and using the Materials Database Tab in the printer driver. Other graphic software programs may differ. When you are ready to print the file to the laser system, click FILE and then click PRINT.

  • Page 57: Step 5 - Material Removal And Reloading

    MAKING A SAMPLE be correct, the material is not suitable for laser engraving or cutting and you MUST DISCONTINUE processing this material or any material that may cause damage to the laser system. NEVER LEAVE THE LASER SYSTEM UNATTENDED DURING THE ENGRAVING OR CUTTING PROCESS. While the laser system is processing the material, you may stop the process by clicking the PAUSE button and waiting for the system to finish what it was doing and move to the home position (upper right corner).
  • Page 58 MAKING A SAMPLE Section 5-4...

  • Page 59: Part 2- Laser System Essentials

    Part 2- Laser System Essentials...

  • Page 61: Section 6 - Basic System Features

    Section 6 Basic System Features From the Universal Control Panel menus and buttons to the PLS Keypad and basic printer driver features, this section describes many of the features of the laser system. If you have done so already, power ON your computer and let it boot up completely BEFORE powering ON the laser system otherwise your laser system can “lock up”...
  • Page 62 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Focus View (drop down list) • focus button gives opportunity to move the focus carriage to a desired position on the laser systems table. To have a full range of motion of the X-Axis arm verify that you are zoomed out in the preview window by right-clicking on the mouse before entering the manual focus window.
  • Page 63 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES 2. If you would like to move the graphic to the upper left hand corner select the top left hand anchor point and type in your desired X Y coordinates into the boxes that appear on the right hand side. This process can be done with any available anchor point.

  • Page 64: The Pls Keypad

    BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES the focus lens to the top surface of a table by clicking the red CALIBRATE button, otherwise the PLS will not focus the laser beam pr operly. Contact the Technical Support Department if you have any question about lens calibration. •...
  • Page 65 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES ed LED CONDITION REASON The system has initialized. The top, front, and laser cover doors are closed and the system is ready to receive a file. The system is running a fi The system is turned off. The system is initializing.

  • Page 66: Printer Driver Controls

    BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Keypad M enu System MAIN MENU After the system is powered ON, the laser systems model name will appear, along with the model version, copyright date, company name, and if the Universal Control Panel is not running, DISCONNECTED will be displayed.
  • Page 67 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Air Assist If you have the Air Assist accessory on the laser system you can activate it through this option. You are able to turn on Air Assist for Raster Engraving, Vector Marking, and Vector Cutting. If you activate this feature adjust the air flow according to your desired results.
  • Page 68 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES of percentage power required to cut through the material without causing undesired results . You ay have to experiment with this section several times to get the exact results you desire. Max Depth The number inputt ed in this box refers to the maximum thickness you would like the laser ystem not to cut.
  • Page 69 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Custom If you prop up the material you are going to engrave on a surface othe r then the table provided, you will need to add the height of the prop in the Custom Height field. NOTE: The Materials Database is meant for the novice and beginning user. As a user operates the laser system and understands how it works he or she may edit the existing Materials Database for further control.
  • Page 70 BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Section 6-12...

  • Page 71: Section 7 - Basic Maintenance

    Section 7 Basic Maintenance Keeping the laser system clean will ensure the highest quality engraving. The frequency of cleaning will depend entirely on the type of material being engraved, the performance of your exhaust system, the operating environment, and the amount of laser system usage over a given period of time. Dirt or debris that is allowed to build up on the motion system components will cause uneven or rough engraving, or loss of engraving position as well as premature component failure.

  • Page 72: Cleaning And Maintenance Supplies

    BASIC MAINTENANCE Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies • Soap solution mixture of 1 tablespoon (2 cl) liquid soap and 1 quart (liter) of water in a spray bottle • Window cleaner • Paper towels • Cotton cloth • Denatured alcohol (NOT to be used on any painted surface, plastic, or the Top Window) •...
  • Page 73 BASIC MAINTENANCE #2 Mirror To gain access to the #2 mirror, the mirror cover must be removed. Remove the thumbscrew and slide the cover to the right and then lift the cover straight up. Inspect the #2 mirror and clean it only if there is debris present.
  • Page 74 NOTE: The PLS6.60’s and PLS6.120D’s exhaust plenums are removed in the same fashion but these two laser systems come with two exhaust plenums. Cooling Fan Filters (PLS3.60 and PLS 4.60) This air-cooled laser system will require periodic cleaning of the cooling fan filters. Since ambient air is used to cool the laser cartridge, the air must be filtered before it enters the inside of the laser system.

  • Page 75: Maintenance Schedule

    BASIC MAINTENANCE Adjustments and Lubrication There are no periodic adjustments normally required. The bearings in the motion system will self adjust to take up any clearances as they begin to wear. The belts are fiber reinforced and will not stretch under normal use so that periodic tension adjustment is not necessary.
  • Page 76 BASIC MAINTENANCE Section 7-6...

  • Page 77: Part 3 - Accessories

    Part 3 - Accessories...

  • Page 79: Section 8 - Accessories

    Section 8 Accessories There are optional accessories, not included with the basic laser system, that are available at additional cost. Instructions on how to use these accessories are included in this section. The user can purchase and install all accessories, except Air Assist, which is a factory installed option ONLY. Before attempting to use any accessory, make sure that you have read the entire manual up to this point.
  • Page 80 ACCESSORIES Making the Connections Standard Air Assist style In the left rear part of the system you will find the pressure gauge (1), flow adjustment valve (2), quick release coupling (3), and release lever (4). Push in the release lever and pull down on the quick release coupling to remove it from the machine. Attach your compressed air supply hose to this fitting (1/4 NPT threads) and use Teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks.

  • Page 81: How It Works

    ACCESSORIES Locate the locking lever (1) attached to both fittings. Push in the lever until it clicks. Attach the larger quick release coupling (3) (1/4 NPT threads) to your compressed air supply line (4). Use Teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks.
  • Page 82 ACCESSORIES NOTE: Air will always be flowing through the system as long as the compressed air source is turned ON. We recommend installing a shut off valve in between your compressed air supply and the laser system. Before you run your material, we suggest that you adjust your air and/or gas flow. To do this, you must first turn on your compressed air source so that there is flow through the system.
  • Page 83 ACCESSORIES Programming the PC Printer Driver The Air Assist option provides printer driver controlled activation and deactivation of solenoid valves that direct the flow through one of three paths with its final destination being the cone. It also has been designed to work in conjunction with the optional Air Compressor to turn it ON and OFF when the job starts and finishes, respectively.

  • Page 84: Air Assist Compressor

    ACCESSORIES Cone Alignment Check and Adjust (both styles) 1. Power the laser system ON and start the UCP. 2. Open the top door. 3. Position the focus carriage in the middle of the field. 4. Place a piece of paper (1) underneath the cone and observe the position of the red beam (2) in relation to the center of the bottom of the Cone (3) and be sure to check it from the front and side.

  • Page 85: Dual Head

    ACCESSORIES Removal, Cleaning, and Replacement of the Filter • Turn the Air Compressor OFF and unplug it. • Unscrew the cover by turning it 1/8 turn counterclockwise like you were unscrewing a jar, and pull down. The clear plastic container might still remain attached to the top. Gently pull this part straight down.
  • Page 86 ACCESSORIES How it Works With the Dual Head installed, the special “Beam Splitter” optic inside of the Dual Head splits the laser beam in half. It reflects one half of the laser beam’s energy down through the focus lens inside the Dual Head and passes the other half of the laser beams power through the beam splitter.
  • Page 87 ACCESSORIES • If there is a button head screw located on the top of the Dual Head and or the single head, remove it. • Pick up the Dual Head tube and note the “L” (Left) and “R” (Right) markings. Install the tube using the supplied thumbscrews and tighten securely.

  • Page 88: Honeycomb Cutting Table

    2. Lower the table down all the way down. 3. Remove the strip(s) from the exhaust plenum(s) with an Allen wrench. There is one (1) exhaust plenum on the PLS3.60, PLS4.60, and PLS6.60 models and two (2) on the PLS6.120D model (as the diagram indicates).
  • Page 89 10. Now position the red diode pointer at the (32,0) position for the PLS6.60 and PLS6.120D series machines or (24,0) position for the PLS3.60 and PLS4.60 series machine. Adjust the right side of the X-axis ruler until it is lined up with the diode. Tighten down the right side screw of the X-axis ruler.

  • Page 90: Focus Lens Kits

    ACCESSORIES Focus Lens Calibration To properly use the Honeycomb Cutting Table you NEED to calibrate your focus lens to the top of the Honeycomb Cutting Table surface. If you do not calibrate the focus lens the focus carriage may cause damage to your Honeycomb Cutting Table and focus carriage.

  • Page 91: Rotary Fixture

    ACCESSORIES FOCAL LENGTH SPOT SIZE FOCAL RANGE 1.5 “ .003 “ + / - .075 “ 2.0 “ .005 “ + / - .100 “ 2.5 “ .007 “ + / - .125 “ 4.0 “ .013 “ + / - .200 “ Rotary Fixture The Rotary Fixture has been designed to engrave cylindrical objects.
  • Page 92 ACCESSORIES 8. With the power to the system still OFF, connect the 7-pin Rotary Fixture control cable to the receptacle on the laser engraving system (6). WARNING TURN THE LASER SYSTEM OFF BEFORE CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING THE ROTARY FIXTURE 9. Before loading the glass into the fixture, measure the diameter (7) of the glass in the area where the engraving is to be located by using a caliper or similar measuring device.
  • Page 93 ACCESSORIES Calibration 1. Select the System Tab and click on the CALIBRATE button in the Rotary box. After the button has been clicked a Rotary Calibration window will appear with Y Position and Z Position boxes. Now, in the Y Position box use the Y Axis buttons (2) to move the focus carriage back and forth. Place the focus carriage exactly at 2.625”.
  • Page 94 ACCESSORIES Printer Driver Settings With your graphics software open, proceed immediately to “Printer Setup” and open the printer driver. In the printer driver, click on the Engraving Field sub-tab within the Manual Control Tab, and set to the maximum field size of the laser system in the Engraving Field section by typing in the size or clicking on the “Max Size”...

  • Page 95: Part 4- Advanced User

    Part 4- Advanced User...

  • Page 97: Section 9 - Advanced System Operation

    Section 9 Advanced System Operation From the Universal Control Panel menus and buttons to focusing, loading and unloading materials, this section covers the actual laser engraving and cutting process for the advanced user. Printer Driver Controls Definitions and Terminology Vector Graphic: An image generated from mathematical descriptions that determine the position, length, and direction in which lines are drawn.

  • Page 98: Manual Control Tab

    ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION NOTE: When adjusting the printer driver settings in the Manual Control Tab, it is highly recommended that you practice engraving or cutting on a scrap portion of that material in case the settings need to be re-adjusted to obtain the desired results. Manual Control Tab The Manual Control Tab in the printer driver gives you full control of the engraving and vector settings.
  • Page 99 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION If using less, the image resolution of the engraving is reduced. In some rare cases, using less than 500 PPI may produce better results. In vector mode, laser pulsing follows the path of the outline of the object. Imagine the laser system working like a sewing machine where the stitching always remains consistent whether you sew fast, slow, or around curves.
  • Page 100 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Save Button By clicking Save, the “Save Engraving Setup” dialog box will appear and will allow you to enter in a file name. All settings will be stored in this file that has a “.LAS” extension. DO NOT rename the extension; the driver will not recognize the file as a laser settings file if it does not have the “.LAS”...
  • Page 101 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION will vary according to the image. Sometimes it takes several passes to create enough relief in the engraving to get the desired results. Special 3D software is required to produce the type of grayscale images that are compatible with this mode.
  • Page 102 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION The scale looks like this: Each rectangle is .5 inches wide and .25 inches tall. Each successive shade of gray is incremented by 16 levels starting at 0 and ending at 255. The numbers below the scale are there as a reference to the 16 levels of power control (explained later) and do not need to be engraved if you do not want to.
  • Page 103 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Rubber Stamp This mode causes a “shouldering” effect when raster engraving rubber stamp material or any other material that requires a “shouldered” engraving. The effect looks as if the laser beam engraved the material on an angle, but in actuality This image...
  • Page 104 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION STEP POWER % Material .002” STEP WIDTH Normal Rubber Stamp Setting ...will give you these results The diagram above is an example of the Normal Rubber Stamp Taper Selection. You can see that there are 8 steps used to create the shoulder. The surface of the material is considered the first step and the bottom of the engraving is considered the last step.
  • Page 105 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION photographs are printed. For a more detailed explanation of the terms “grayscale”, “bitmap”, “halftone”, or “dither”, please refer to the “Graphic Software Setup” section in this manual. Halftone This halftone pattern generator converts grayscale bitmaps into a halftoned image based on your Image Density choice in the driver.
  • Page 106 (in between the dotted lines) as the following diagram illustrates: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Within this effective area, using too little CONTRAST may cause some parts of the letters to appear thin, faint, fuzzy, or even non-existent.
  • Page 107 Universal Laser Systems, Inc. produces the “BEST” laser systems in the world! Engrave it with the settings determined in step one but this time ENABLE Image Enhancement and set CONTRAST to 0, DEFINITION to 0, DENSITY to 100 and the TUNING value to +4.
  • Page 108 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION TUNING Step 5: Fine tuning the raster strokes. At this point, we are finished with Image Enhancements. Make sure that you save your settings but your graphic may need a little more “fine tuning”. The typical TUNING setting is +4 when Image Enhancement is enabled.
  • Page 109 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION NONE This selection turns off Vector Optimizer. Vector Scaling This feature allows you to calibrate vector cutting or vector engraving to your particular application. To calibrate the system, as an example, draw a precise, 5” x 5” square in your graphics software.
  • Page 110 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Rotary This option is available for most models. Please refer to the Accessories section of this manual on how to install and use the Rotary Fixture. Diameter The diameter of the cylindrical object being engraved will be entered in this field. Rotation Factor If you have purchased the optional Rotary fixture, you may need to calibrate your fixture if your application requires you to engrave or cut completely around the cylinder precisely 360...

  • Page 111: Focusing Methods

    ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION NOTE: If you are only using the Materials Database Tab and the Auto Z feature on the UCP to run your projects there is no need to follow any of the following focusing methods. These methods should only be used if you use the Manual Control Tab to print to the laser system.
  • Page 112 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION WARNING: To avoid damage to the focus lens, avoid positioning the focus tool underneath the focus carriage. Sometimes it is desirable to be slightly out of focus when engraving or cutting. It widens the beam at the surface of the material to soften the image or create a wider cut line.

  • Page 113: Making A Sample - Manual Control Tab

    ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION 3. AUTOFOCUS Method This option CAN ONLY BE USED WITH QUALIFIED MATERIALS. Qualified materials are materials that are very flat, non-transparent, non-elevated, and at least 2 inches thick. Place your material anywhere within the AUTOFOCUS zone (1), which spans across the table where the Y-axis ruler is indented (2).
  • Page 114 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Step 3 – Printing to the Laser System (Manual Control Tab) When you are ready to print the file to the laser system, click FILE and then click PRINT. Make sure that the laser system appears in the DESTINATION NAME dropdown list, and then click PROPERTIES (Figure 3) to display the ULS printer driver settings.
  • Page 115 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Step 6 – Material Removal and Reloading Once the laser system has completed processing the material, the laser beam will turn off, the focus carriage will move to the home position in the upper right hand corner, and the red light on the keypad will turn OFF.
  • Page 116 ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Section 9-22...

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